The Voice of the Martyrs' blog, sharing powerful stories and timely information that invites and inspires American Christians into fellowship with their persecuted family around the world.

Posts from December 2014

December 31, 2014

A few weeks ago, Merv Knight walked into my office door. Merv is a dear elder brother of mine, in his 80’s now, who lives in Australia. Merv Knight has served our persecuted brothers and sisters for more than 40 years. Perhaps his most important contribution to the work of serving the persecuted was summed up in the recent words of one of VOM’s executives: “Merv Knight has served as a spiritual advisor to us all.”

Merv first became involved in the work of VOM in 1969 when he was part of a group of people who hosted Pastor Richard Wurmbrand in Australia. Richard encouraged the group to begin an Australian-based ministry to the persecuted, and Merv went on to establish that work in partnership with several other Australian believers (I encourage you to watch a fascinating interview with Merv about his 40 years with VOM).

Merv can always be counted on to deliver an uplifting word and that is why he was in my office that day. He was carrying a little book in his hand that he wanted to give to me. It was a book that belonged to Richard, and Merv had uncovered it while going through some boxes in the archives. The book is called "To Die is Gain" and was authored by G. Campbell Morgan.

The book is remarkably interesting, because it provides an insight into a reality which many of our family members have experienced. In our culture, it may be rare for us to reflect on another land, a home beyond the grave, a place where pain and suffering cease and, most importantly, a place where we are able to experience full communion with our Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the reasons this may be true is that our lives here are entirely too comfortable. It reminds me of C.S. Lewis’ example of children playing in the mud in the slums of London who refused a holiday at the beach. They simply couldn't comprehend how wonderful the beach was, and so they turned back to their mud pies.

Some of the brothers and sisters that I have had the privilege of meeting who are experiencing severe persecution view this life as a shadow, and a very short season. They seem to have a solid grasp on what we call "eternal perspective."

Perhaps this is why the book that Merv gave me that morning from Richard was well worn. Richard suffered consequences from his torture for the rest of his life, and he longed for his heavenly home. He understood the life-giving value of “the long view” better than most.

At the end of Morgan’s book, there is a collection of poems which capture the beauty of our eternal home and the expectation that we have as followers of Jesus Christ.

Here is an excerpt of one of the poems that is especially encouraging, entitled "The Pilgrim’s Song." I encourage you to read it aloud this season and to let its truths think deeply into your soul:

"My rest is in heaven; my rest is not here;

Then why should I murmur when trials are near?

Be hushed, my dark spirit, the worst that can come,

But shortens thy journey and hastens thee home.

It is not for me to be seeking my bliss,

And building my hopes in a region like this:

I look for a city which hands have not piled,

I pant for a country by sin undefiled.

Afflictions may damp me, they cannot destroy;

One glimpse of Thy love turns them all into joy.

And the bitterest of tears, if Thou smile but on them

like dew in the sunshine, grow diamond and gem.

Let doubt then, and danger, my progress oppose;

They only make heaven more sweet at the close.

Come joy, or come sorrow, whate’er may befall,

An hour with my God will make up for it all.

A scrip on my back, and a staff in my hand,

I march on in haste through an enemy’s land.

The road maybe rough, but it cannot be long;

I'll smooth it with hope, and I'll cheer it with song.”

Do we really believe that to die is gain? I pray that God will give each one of us more of an “eternal perspective." May He grant us the faith to cling less and less to this life, and more and more to our heavenly home. Then we will be able to join the apostle Paul in boldly saying, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Dr. Jason Petersserves in VOM’s International Ministries department, traveling frequently to meet with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Jason and Kimberly have been married for over twenty years, and have five children who are actively engaged in standing with their persecuted family members.

December 30, 2014

Volunteering at The Voice of the Martyrs is unlike any other volunteer opportunity. Not only have I experienced it, but I have heard countless people relay their amazement in seeing God’s hand so clearly displayed in one place.

The volunteers who cross our paths are truly special people. Their sacrifice is compelling, their stories are invigorating, and their passion is contagious. They come from all walks of life and no two share the same background. Well, almost. Once in a while, a volunteer meets someone who knows his or her parents, shares the same friends, or grew up in the same town. It just took coming to VOM for them to meet one another!

Each week people enter through the doors of the operation center as "strangers" and leave with joy of meeting more of their Christian family. The various tasks they complete help each person learn to stay united as they work together as a team.

For many people, volunteering is an opportunity to connect with fellow believers who possess the same passion. What is really special is how the conversation always comes back to our persecuted family. They are at the core of what we do and why we are here to serve. As I walk around the operations center each day, I relish the fact that folks are seeing how their acts of service can impact so many lives.

After years of volunteering my own time not only with VOM but also at other ministries, I have learned that volunteering is really the art of giving back what you have received. It is a special privilege to be part of distributing the newsletter. Volunteering is an avenue that I can use to help others. When you volunteer at VOM, you have the privilege to help distribute our newsletter. By doing so, we are being the hands and feet to bring the story of a believer who sacrificed everything for the Gospel.

I believe it strengthens the hearts of those who are in the fellowship of His sufferings when they hear and see that thousands of people throughout the U.S. unite for the same common goal of spreading the name of Christ. Volunteering is a tangible way to demonstrate that we remember the saints as if we were in bonds with them (Hebrews 13:3).

There are several ways to “give back” through volunteering at VOM. You can volunteer to assist with one of the many regional conferences that VOM puts on around the country. Volunteers can go through the training to become a Community Voice speaker and attend churches and events to represent VOM. At home, you can fill an Action Pack or Outreach Pack to send to your persecuted brothers and sisters. Or, you can serve at The Voice of the Martyrs’ headquarters in Bartlesville, Oklahoma packing those same Action Packs for shipping and help prepare our 400,000 newsletters for mailing.

As we begin a new year in a few short hours’ time, how will you “give back” this year?

Marie P. serves as VOM’s Resource Assembly Lead, where she works closely with our volunteer staff. She came to VOM as a one-year volunteer, and then joined the full-time staff three years ago.

December 29, 2014

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that will air next month, a spot entitled New Year Resolve:

[LYRICS:] What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak. What will people do when they find that it’s true.

[TOBYMAC:] Hey, this is TobyMac with truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs.

[TODD:] With the New Year, many of our neighbors will make bold resolutions such as “eat healthy,” “get out of debt,” or “quit smoking.” All worthy goals.

But what might be a worthwhile resolution for those who claim Christ as savior?

Consider Second Timothy, chapter two, verse 15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” That kind of resolve is seen every day around the world by The Voice of the Martyrs. Christian workers standing before God. Unashamed. And speakingtruth.

December 26, 2014

This week, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we have been looking back on the most-read posts on the Persecution Blog this year. Today we look back on the most-read post of the year.

The Real Story of St. Patrick (March 14)

Monday is St. Patrick’s Day, a day Americans focus on good luck and all things Irish. But most of those celebrating don't know that the man for whom this day is named was a Christian persecuted because of his Christian actions.

Many celebrate Saint Patrick's Day on March 17th and hang pictures of shamrocks and mythical creatures called leprechauns. But who was St. Patrick, and why do we celebrate his life on this day?

Patrick lived a full life, but not without his share of suffering and adventure. He was born in Britain, in the fourth century A.D., during a time of great uncertainty for the Roman Empire. The Roman legions that once protected civilized Britain from barbaric invaders were called away to defend themselves in other regions of the Roman Empire. Therefore, Britain was left vulnerable to attacks.

Just before Patrick turned 16 years of age, he and his family were at their holiday villa by the sea, located outside the town of Bannaventa Berniae when Irish pirates attacked it just before dawn. (Some say the villa was attacked during the day while Patrick played on the beach. Although Patrick's family escaped, Patrick and many of the family's workers did not; and soon they were en route to Ireland, where Patrick was sold as a slave to Miliuc of Slemich, a Druid tribal chieftain.

Patrick was given the task of a herdsman. Though raised in a Christian home (his father, Calpornius, was a civil magistrate and tax collector, as well as a church deacon), Patrick never made a decision to follow Christ until he was kidnapped and made a slave. In his autobiography called Confessions, Patrick wrote: “…‘the Lord opened my senses to my unbelief,’ so that though late in the day, I might remember my many sins; and accordingly ‘I might turn to the Lord my God with all my heart.’” He also wrote about how his faith in God grew as he prayed to Him while he shepherded the flocks: “But after l had come to Ireland, it was then that I was made to shepherd the flocks day after day, and, as l did so, I would pray all the time, right through the day. More and more the love of God and fear of him grew strong within me, and as my faith grew, so the Spirit became more and more active... In snow, in frost, in rain, I would hardly notice any discomfort, and I was never slack but always full of energy. It is clear to me now, that this was due to. . .the Spirit within me.”

But Patricks devotion to God did not go unnoticed. He soon earned the nickname "Holy Boy" among his fellow slaves.

One night Patrick had a dream, and in it he heard a voice saying do him, "You are right to fast, soon you will be returning to your own country." In another dream he received a response to the first dream, being told, “Come and see where your ship is waiting for you.” At the age of 22, Patrick escaped and traveled 200 miles to the coast of Ireland. Of his long journey across Ireland, he wrote: "I turned on my heel and ran away, leaving behind the man to whom I had been bound for six years. Yet I came away from him in the power of God, for it was he who was guiding my every step for the best. And so I felt not the least anxiety until I reached the ship.

When Patrick approached one of the men on the ship that was on the coast, he asked to board. The seaman scowled at him, so Patrick began to leave when the man called back to him, saying the other men wanted him on board as a passenger. Patrick wrote. "In spite of this, I still hoped that they might come to have faith in Jesus Christ."

The journey by boat was long, including a stop on land where they journeyed for 28 days. After having run out of food, the captain turned to Patrick and challenged him to ask his God for food. Glad to oblige, Patrick responded: "Turn trustingly to the Lord who is my God and put your faith in him with all your heart, because nothing is impossible to him. On this day, he will send us food sufficient for our journey, because for him there is abundance everywhere." According to Patrick’s autobiography, when the men turned around, a herd of pigs was standing before them. They feasted for days and gave thanks to God.

Two years later Patrick finally made it to his beloved Britain and into the arms of his mother and father who pled with him never to leave them again. Patrick began to settle back into his life in Britain and studied to become a priest and bishop. But one night Patrick had a dream of a man who seemed to come from Ireland and was carrying a letter with the words “The Voice of the Irish.” As Patrick began to read the words, he seemed to hear the voice of the same men he worked with as if they were shouting, “Holy broth of a boy, we beg you, come back and walk once more among us.”

But Patrick's plans to return to Ireland—the land of his captivity—were fiercely opposed by both his parents and the church leaders who, by the way, did not think the Druids were worth saving. His family shuddered at the thought of him returning to barbaric Ireland with the gospel, as the Druids were known to weave criminals and runaway slaves into giant wicker baskets and suspend them over a fire. Of this opposition Patrick later wrote; “So at last I came here to the Irish gentiles to preach the gospel. And now I had to endure insults from unbelievers, to ‘hear criticism of my journeys’ and suffer many persecutions ‘even to the point of chains.’…And should I prove worthy, I am ready and willing to give up my own life, without hesitation, for his name…There was always someone talking behind my back and whispering, ‘Why does he want to put himself in such danger among his enemies who do not know God?’” Patrick had to sell his title of nobility in order to become the “slave of Christ serving the barbaric nation.”

While Patrick was in Ireland, he shared the gospel with his former slave owner, Miliuc the Druid. But instead of turning his back on his pagan gods, Miliuc locked himself in his house and set it on fire while Patrick stood outside the house and pled with him to turn to Christ. It is said Miliuc drowned out Patrick’s pleadings by crying out to his false gods.

But Miliuc's refusal to hear the gospel was just the beginning of Patrick’s challenges with the Druids as he spread the gospel across Ireland and taught the people how to read and write. One story that some believe is legend mentions Patrick challenging the Druid wizards in 433 A.D., on the vernal equinox, which occurred on Easter Sunday that year. Patrick challenged the wizards' power of control by starting a bonfire, which was central to the Druids’ ritual, on a hillside opposite of the barbaric idol-worshippers. Patrick was dragged before the Druid council where he had the opportunity to share about Jesus, the light of the world. Some Druids believed, and others tried to kill him.

Patrick continued his journey across Ireland. He preached at racetracks and other places of worldly indulgences, seeing many come to Christ. However, this was not without opposition. The Druids often tried to poison him. One time a barbarian warrior speared Patrick’s chariot driver to death in an attempt to kill Patrick. He was often ambushed at his evangelistic events, and it is noted that he was enslaved again for a short time. He had to purchase safe passage through a hostile warlord's land in order to continue on his journey. Another time Patrick and his companions were taken as prisoners and were going to be killed, but they were later released. In Confessions, Patrick wrote, “As every day arrives, I expect either sudden death or deception or being taken back as a slave or some such other misfortune. But I fear none of these, since I look to the promise of heaven and have flung myself into the hands of the all-powerful God, who rules as Lord everywhere.”

Patrick journeyed throughout Ireland, sharing Christ until his death on March 17th, around the year 461 A.D. Later Irish mythological creatures known as leprechauns would creep into the holiday celebrations, as well as the symbol of the shamrock, believed to have been used by Patrick to illustrate the Trinity as he preached and taught. Some legends have circulated stating Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Since there are no snakes in Ireland and snakes often symbolize the devil and evil, many believe the "snakes" were a metaphor representing his work of driving the idol-worshipping Druid cult out of the country.

Enslavement, torture, imprisonment and death for one's faith in Christ were not confined to Patrick’s lifetime. Today Christians in communist nations like China, Vietnam and Cuba are imprisoned if caught sharing the gospel with fellow countrymen. In Sudan, a Christian boy named Demare was kidnapped by militant Muslims and sold as a slave. And in Vietnam, when members of some tribal groups have come to Christ, they destroy the altars used to pray to their dead ancestors. When fellow villagers and even members of the government hear about this, these new believers in Christ are harassed and some even imprisoned for turning away from their empty religions of idol and ancestor worship.

We may never be enslaved, imprisoned or beaten because of our faith in Christ, but many may make fun of us for believing in Jesus’ promise of heaven and placing our faith in a God they do not see with their eyes and cannot touch with their hands. I pray this version of Patrick’s courageous life will inspire you to stand firm in Christ and stand strong for Him as you tell others about the greatest gift we can ever be given—salvation through Jesus!

December 25, 2014

MERRY CHRISTMAS! This week, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we will be looking back on the most-read posts on the Persecution Blog this year. Today we look back on the #2 most-read post. We will continue this countdown until we unveil number 1 tomorrow. Look back to see which posts drew the most attention, readers and shares over the course of 2014, and come back tomorrow to see the most-read post of the year.

Five Truths to Keep in Mind as IS Advances in Iraq (Aug. 13)

My heart has been heavy as I read and hear news reports of IS (the Islamic State) giving Christians in Mosul an ultimatum to convert to Islam, pay a high tax (jizya), flee or die. More recently, IS released a video, in which they announced a threat, "Our message to the entire world is that we are the soldiers of the Caliphate state and we are coming." So much of what we are seeing unfold in the Middle East characterizes what has happened to Christians throughout history in that region as well as other restricted nations. As I reflect on this, I am reminded of five truths that are important to remember, in order to keep our eyes focused on what's eternal (Col. 3:2).

1. God is not intimidated by caliphs, dictators, or terrorists.

Throughout church history, there are numerous examples of radical religious groups and political tyrants that have persecuted Christians. For some, Christians were considered a threat to the leaders' totalitarian intentions. Having an entire empire follow a religion or ideology was strategically used to gain loyalty and promote nationalism.

An image from a YouTube video shows an IS-affiliated militant holding up the trademark black and white Islamist flag in Iraq.

During the fifth century, Christians in a city in present-day Iraq called Kirkuk came under severe persecution. (Kirkuk was a part of the Persian Empire at that time.) Influenced by Zoroastrian priests, the emperor, Yazdegerd II, didn't think Christians were capable of being loyal subjects of his empire, so he ordered they be eliminated—murdered—in A.D. 448. History estimates 153,000 leaders, clergy and laypeople were rounded up, taken to a mount outside of Kirkuk and slaughtered. The chief prosecutor, Tamasgerd, was so moved by the Christians' resolve that he, too, placed his faith in Christ and followed them in death.

Fast forward almost 1600 years to present-day Kirkuk. Faithful witnesses still persevere in this war-torn land. One pastor of an evangelical church has survived two bombing attempts on his church. He shared with a VOM worker: "Our church has been bleeding out, but I believe all the chairs of the church will be filled by believers from Muslim backgrounds. They are the new generation of the church.”

2. God always finds a way to encourage, grow, and build His church. He's just looking for those willing to count the cost.

Consider Iran. Despite severe restrictions on Christians in Iran, believers are finding a way to reach into this closed country. Christian satellite broadcasts are one of several ways God is reaching into the homes and hearts of Iranians and drawing them into a relationship with Him and helping them grow in Him. In Iran and other parts of the Middle East, many have reported that Jesus has appeared to them in dreams. God always finds a way.

3. God uses His people who are scattered to expand His kingdom.

When believers are forced to flee due to persecution, that shouldn't be viewed as a "kingdom loss." While we grieve with those who lose their homes and come alongside them with our prayers and help, God can use this to expand His Kingdom. This principle is demonstrated during the formative years of the church. In Acts 8, after Stephen was martyred, Saul issued a crackdown on the church. Scripture says all but the apostles where scattered and took the gospel with them, specifically to Samaria and Judea (verses 1-4). The words of Christ in Acts 1:8 were happening, and persecution was the catalyst that pushed the believers out. Being scattered because of persecution can be mightily used to advance His kingdom.

VOM contacts delivering aid to recently-displaced Christians in Iraq. To support this work by giving online go to http://bit.ly/1vHZIjy.

VOM contacts delivering aid to recently-displaced Christians in Iraq. To support this work by giving online go to http://bit.ly/1vHZIjy.

4. You are not helpless.

As we read and hear reports of the brutality happening in Iraq, pray for members of IS. Pray they come face to face with Jesus Christ and give their lives to Him. (Read VOM's book Saul to Paul to be encouraged.) Pray they will be overcome with the courage and endurance of the believers they persecute and choose to place their faith in Christ—like the chief prosecutor Tamasgerd during the massacre of Christians in Kirkuk in the 5th century. Pray for those workers on the front-lines who risk their lives to witness in hostile circumstances. Finally, reach out to Muslims in your community. Show them the love of Christ with the intent of winning them for Him. So many have come to the U.S. in pursuit of a better life. They, too, need to hear about Jesus Christ. You can also support the work of ministries like VOM that are actively equipping and supporting front-line workers and bringing help and encouragement to persecuted believers.

5. The battle is already decided.

Have you read the Book of Revelation? We know who will ultimately win the battle—the Lord Jesus Christ. Until that day, when Jesus makes His final return to take His rightful place, you can stand with your persecuted family by choosing to fellowship with them through your prayers and actions.

This list of truths is by no means exhaustive. Many more are found in God's Word. Please share with us those truths that are keeping your eyes focused on the eternal in light of the situation in Iraq. Thank you for standing with our persecuted family!

Cheryl Odden is Vice President of Communications for The Voice of the Martyrs - USA

December 24, 2014

This week, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we will be looking back on the most-read posts on the Persecution Blog this year. Today we look back on the #3 most-read post. We will continue to count down until we unveil number 1 on Friday. Come back each day this week to learn which posts drew the most attention, readers and shares over the course of 2014.

By Choosing Christ, Her Children Will Be Orphans (May 30)

“It’s a baby girl!”

Maya, the second child of Meriam Ibrahim and Daniel Wani was born earlier this week in a prison clinic, where her mother awaits execution for refusing to renounce Christianity. Maya and her 20-month-old brother, Martin, will remain in prison with their mother until she is weaned. Then, she and her brother will become orphans if Sudan’s government carries out Meriam’s death sentence.

The children’s father and Meriam’s husband Daniel, was finally able to visit his children on the day after Maya’s birth. When he spoke with his wife, she expressed no regrets. “If they want to execute me then they should go ahead and do it because I’m not going to change my faith.”

In court, the judge repeatedly gave her opportunity to recant her Christian faith. She stated openly that she had never practiced the religion of her father and that she was a Christian. The judge gave her three days to change her mind or be charged with apostasy. Meriam came back to court and told the judge she would not change her mind.

Meriam told her husband, “I refuse to change. I am not giving up Christianity just so that I can live. I know I could stay alive by becoming a Muslim and I would be able to look after our family, but I need to be true to myself.”

Meriam Ibrahim has already died to herself and lives in Christ. She is ready to die for her faith, but I cannot imagine the sorrow that she and her husband are enduring as their two young children are kept alongside her in chains, and as they imagine a future without Meriam.

I can only imagine the conditions she is living in at the prison, where guards are reportedly mistreating her and where Muslim prisoners are rallying around her. I can only imagine her pain as she tries to care for her two young children while trying to keep her hope alive and her faith vibrant. I can only imagine Daniel’s anguish at his inability to help his wife while separated from his children.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.” (Hebrews 13:3). We are also called in Isaiah 58:6 to “loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free.”

Please pray for Meriam and her family. Pray for comfort for her in prison. Pray that her example will have an impact on those around her and on the whole nation of Sudan. Pray for her husband Daniel and the lawyers who are working to help her. Pray that Meriam and her children will be freed.

EDITOR'S NOTE: As many readers will know, our prayers and the prayers of so many around the world were answered when Meriam was released from prison and allowed to leave Sudan.

“Ann Kay” is a writer for VOM. She learned about VOM five years ago when she read Tortured for Christ and began receiving the newsletter. She is passionate about reaching the world for Christ and sharing stories of the persecuted church.

December 23, 2014

This week, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we will be looking back on the most-read posts on the Persecution Blog this year. Today we look back on the #4 most-read post. We will continue to count down until we unveil number 1 on Friday. Come back each day this week to learn which posts drew the most attention, readers and shares over the course of 2014.

December 22, 2014

This week, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we will be looking back on the most-read posts on the Persecution Blog this year. We begin today with the number-5 most-read post, and will count down to number 1 on Friday. Come back each day this week to learn which posts drew the most attention and readers over the course of 2014.

St. Nicholas: The Real Story of the Man Who Became Santa Claus (Dec. 8)

Many American children are looking forward to the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, bearing presents for good little boys and girls. But most of those celebrating don't know that there is a real man behind the story of Santa Claus, and that real man was a Christian persecuted because of his faith and actions.

The following is excerpted from "A Note from the Author to Parents and Educators" that is included inThe Story of St. Nicholas: More than Reindeer and a Red Suit, a book for children published by VOM that tells the true story of St. Nicholas of Myra, the man whose story became the basis of our modern-day Santa Claus.

Throughout history many legends about the life of Saint Nicholas of Myra have circulated around the world, bringing us to the man we know today as Santa Claus—a chubby man in a red suit who delivers presents to good boys and girls with his reindeer on Christmas Eve.

But who is this man behind the myth of Santa Claus?

Nicholas of Myra was born in the third century in a province called Lycia, which was a part of the Roman Empire. Today ancient Lycia is a part of the country we know as Turkey. Nicholas is believed to have died around 343 A.D., on December 6th, a date that is currently celebrated by many nations, such as Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands, where it is called “Saint Nicholas Day.” For example, in Germany, children are known to put a boot, called a Nikolaus-Stiefel, outside their front door on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, hoping he will fill it with gifts if he thinks they were good. But if found bad, they will receive a lump of charcoal.

The real Nicholas was a man full of generosity and conviction. He was born to wealthy parents who, when they died, left him their fortune. He chose to use his inheritance to help those in need. For example, one of the vignettes in the book is about three sisters who were saved from life on the streets. Their father was unable to arrange suitable marriages because he did not have enough money for their dowries. (Therefore, the father was left with no choice but to sell them to a brothel.) Upon hearing this, Nicholas secretly threw bags of gold into the girls’ room. The father was elated and, after discovering his daughters’ mysterious benefactor, was sworn to secrecy by Nicholas that he would never tell anyone who had given him the gold.

Nicholas is recorded to have exposed the corruptness of a government official during a famine. He uncovered the governor’s deceitful actions of hoarding grain until the demand forced it into higher prices. Later, Nicholas intervened in an execution of three innocent men…all falsely accused by the same, crooked governor. It is said that one of the prisoners was situated on the block for decapitation, and Nicholas grabbed the sword from the executioner’s hands, setting all three men free. He was praised for his bravery.

Even though many have preserved the stories of Nicholas’ acts of righteousness, few know of his sufferings for Christ. When the Roman emperor Diocletian took power, he instigated a horrific persecution of Christians. Nicholas was imprisoned and physically tortured (pinched with hot iron pliers) for refusing to deny Jesus as God. One account mentions the prisons were so full of church leaders there was no room for the actual criminals.

After the reign of persecution ended, Nicholas would still face a fierce testing of his faith—this time within the church. A preacher named Arius began promoting a heresy that Jesus was not God in the flesh. Arius even went so far as to set his false teaching to music by putting words to popular drinking songs. Constantine, the new leader of the Roman Empire, called together church leaders at Nicea to discuss Arius’ teachings and other issues dividing the church. This was called the Council of Nicea. According to legend, as Arius was making his presentation, he began singing one of his blasphemous songs about Jesus. Unwilling to see this man shame Christ, Nicholas stood up and punched Arius in the mouth. Those in attendance were shocked! Although they understood Nicholas’ need to stand up for Christ’s reputation, they did not believe they could allow such behavior since Christ taught us to love our enemies and live a life of peace. Therefore, Nicholas was no longer allowed to serve as bishop. (It’s noted he was later restored to his position.) But this action did not stop Nicholas from serving the sick and needy.

Those who are persecuted for following Christ today are much like Nicholas of Myra: They humbly serve their fellow countrymen and courageously stand for the Lord when faced with the choice of prison with Christ or no prison without Christ. His story of boldness and generosity in the face of persecution from the government and conflict within the church is for everyone. By any Christian definition, Nicholas was indeed a saint.

May Nicholas of Myra’s life challenge us to live generously by serving the poor and courageously by standing for Christ in a culture that is increasingly hostile to Him and His people!

December 19, 2014

One of the ways that VOM sometimes encourages American Christians to support our brothers and sisters facing persecution is by asking our government leaders to speak out and act on their behalf. These efforts go back even to VOM’s founder, Richard Wurmbrand, who testified before a Senate committee and even took off his shirt in the hearing to show the deep torture scars on his body.

But what is the best way to advocate for persecuted Christians to US officials? And does it make a difference? Do they listen?

We’ve got answers to those questions and others this week on VOMRadio. And they are answers from someone who knows: former U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra.

Also in this episode the leader of VOM’s international work, Cole Richards, gives insights about how VOM connects with and provides help to Christians facing persecution around the world. Listen to the episode below, and to all episodes at www.VOMRadio.net.

December 18, 2014

On December 17, 1912 Bill Borden boarded ship for China via Egypt. His missionary career would be among history’s briefest—and most effective.

Borden was born into an upper-class family on Chicago’s Gold Coast, heir to a fortune in real estate and milk production. His mother became a Christian, and young Bill began attending Chicago’s Moody Church with her, soon becoming a Christian himself. Shortly afterward, when Pastor R.A. Torrey challenged worshipers to dedicate their lives to God’s service, William quietly rose—a little fellow in a blue sailor suit. He stood a long, long time while the service went on, but there was no wavering, and it was a consecration from which he never retreated.

Later at Yale University, Bill became well known as a star athlete, good-looking, worth $50 million, and committed to Christ. At a student missions conference in Nashville, he was deeply moved by Samuel Zwemer to reach the Muslims; and following graduation he announced he was giving his immense inheritance to the cause of world missions. He joined the China Inland Mission, planning to evangelize the Muslims in China. But first came language study in Egypt. On the eve of his departure, his widowed mother wondered if Bill had done the right thing, giving up fortune and homeland. “In the quiet of my room that night, worn and weary and sad, I fell asleep asking myself again and again, ‘Is it, after all, worthwhile?’ In the morning as I awoke, a still small voice was speaking in my heart, answering: ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only beloved son…’”

A month after arriving in Egypt, Borden contracted spinal meningitis. He was dead in two weeks, but he left a final message on paper stuffed under his pillow: “No Reserve! No Retreat! No Regrets!”

The story of his sacrifice was retold in newspapers across America and the publication of his biography resulted in a dramatic leap in numbers of young people offering themselves as living sacrifices for the Lord of the harvest.

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